Sony A 100 Manual

							131
Troubleshooting
An error is displayed when setting the custom white balance.
The custom white balance was performed at too short a distance using the flash. Or the 
custom white balance was set with a vivid-colored subject. Be sure to put some distance 
between the camera and the subject when firing the flash. Choose a white subject when setting 
the custom white balance (page 48).
Refer to “Computers” (page 132) in conjunction with the following items.
Your camera cannot play back images.
Press the   (Playback) button to turn to playback mode (t step 6 in “Read This First”).The folder/file name has been changed on your computer (page 113).When an image file has been processed by a computer or when the image file was recorded 
using a model other than that of your camera, playback on your camera is not guaranteed.
The camera is in USB mode. Delete the USB connection (page 111).
The image does not appear on the TV screen.
Check [Video output] to see if the video output signal of your camera is set to the color system 
of your TV (page 98).
Check whether the connection is correct (page 78).If a USB cable is connected to the camera, disconnect the USB cable (page 111).
Your camera cannot delete an image.
Cancel the protection (page 89).You are using the “Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect switch, and the switch is set to 
the LOCK position. Set the switch to the recording position (page 139).
You have deleted an image by mistake.
Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. We recommend that you protect 
images (page 89), or use the “Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect switch and set the 
switch to the LOCK position (page 139) to prevent accidental erasure.
You cannot display a   (DPOF set) mark.
You cannot display   (DPOF set) marks on RAW data files.
You cannot delete the folder in file browser index screen.
Once the folder in the recording medium was displayed on a Windows computer, you may not 
be able to delete the folder. Delete the folder on a computer.
Viewing images
Deleting/Editing images 
						

							132
You do not know if the OS of your computer is compatible with the camera.
Check “Recommended computer environment” on page 106 for Windows, and page 120 for 
Macintosh.
Your computer does not recognize your camera.
Turn on the camera (t step 3 in “Read This First”).When the battery level is low, install the charged battery pack (t step 1 in “Read This 
First”), or use the AC Adaptor/charger (not supplied) (page 144).
Use the USB cable (supplied) (page 108).Disconnect the USB cable, and connect it again firmly.Set [Transfer mode] to [Mass Storage] (page 98).Disconnect all equipment other than the camera, the keyboard and the mouse from the USB 
jacks of your computer.
Connect the camera directly to your computer without passing through a USB hub or other 
device (page 108).
You cannot copy images.
Make the USB connection by properly connecting the camera with your computer (page 108).Follow the designated copy procedure for your OS (pages 108, 120).When you shoot images with a recording medium formatted by a computer, you may not be 
able to copy the images to a computer. Shoot using a recording medium formatted by your 
camera (page 89).
After making a USB connection, “Picture Motion Browser” does not start 
automatically.
Start “Media Check Tool” (page 115).Make the USB connection after the computer is turned on (page 107).
The image cannot be played back on a computer.
If you are using “Picture Motion Browser”, refer to the Help.Consult the computer or software manufacturer.
You cannot print an image.
Check the printer settings.
Images once copied to a computer cannot be viewed on the camera.
Copy them to a folder recognized by the camera, such as “100MSDCF” (page 112).Operate correctly (page 113).
Computers 
						

							133
Troubleshooting
Images are not displayed correctly.
Make sure the folder of the images is registered in “Viewed folders”. If the images are not 
displayed even if the folder is registered in “Viewed folders”, update the database (page 118).
You cannot find images imported.
Look in the “My Pictures” folder.If you have changed the default settings, refer to “Changing the “Folder to be imported”” on 
page 118 and check what folder is used for importing.
You want to change the “Folder to be imported”.
Access the “Import Settings” screen to change “Folder to be imported”. You can specify a 
different folder after using “Picture Motion Browser” to register it in “Viewed folders” 
(page 118).
All imported images are displayed on the calendar with the date January 1.
The date has not been set on the camera. Set the date on the camera (page 99, t step 3 in 
“Read This First”). 
Cannot insert a “Memory Stick Duo”.
Use the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor for CF slot, then insert it (t step 4 in “Read This First”).
Cannot record on a “Memory Stick Duo”.
You are using the “Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect switch, and the switch is set to 
the LOCK position. Set the switch to the recording position (page 139).
The “Memory Stick Duo” is full. Delete unnecessary images (page 88, t step 6 in “Read 
This First”).
Cannot format a “Memory Stick Duo”.
You are using the “Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect switch, and the switch is set to 
the LOCK position. Set the switch to the recording position (page 139).
You have formatted a “Memory Stick Duo” by mistake.
All the data on the “Memory Stick Duo” is deleted by formatting. You cannot restore it. We 
recommend that you set the write-protect switch on the “Memory Stick Duo” to the LOCK 
position to prevent accidental erasure (page 139).
Picture Motion Browser
“Memory Stick Duo” 
						

							134
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” is not recognized by a computer with a “Memory 
Stick” slot.
If “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is not supported, connect the camera to the computer (pages 107 
to 108). The computer recognizes the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”.
Cannot insert a CF card/Microdrive.
Insert it in the correct direction (t step 4 in “Read This First”).
Cannot record on a CF card/Microdrive.
The CF card/Microdrive is full. Delete unnecessary images (page 88, t step 6 in “Read This 
First”).
An unusable CF card is inserted (t step 4 in “Read This First”).You are using the recording medium with the write-protect switch, and the switch is set to the 
LOCK position. Set the switch to the recording position.
The Microdrive is heated.
You are using the Microdrive for a long time. This is not a malfunction.
You have formatted a CF card/Microdrive by mistake.
All the data on the CF card/Microdrive is deleted by formatting. You cannot restore it.
Also see “PictBridge compliant printer” (as follows) in conjunction with the following items.
The color of the image is strange.
When you print the images recorded in Adobe RGB mode using sRGB printers that are not 
compatible with Adobe RGB (DCF2.0/Exif2.21), the images are printed at a lower intensity 
level (page 50).
A connection cannot be established.
The camera cannot be connected directly to a printer that is not compliant with the PictBridge 
standard. Consult the printer manufacturer as to whether the printer is compliant with 
PictBridge or not.
Check that the printer is turned on and can be connected to the camera.When a recording medium, such as a “Memory Stick Duo”, CF card, is not inserted to the 
camera the camera cannot connect to the printer. After you insert a recording medium, 
connect the printer again.
Set [Transfer mode] to [PTP] (page 98).
CF card/Microdrive
Printing
PictBridge compliant printer 
						

							135
Troubleshooting
Disconnect and connect the USB cable again. If an error message is indicated on the printer, 
refer to the operating instructions supplied with the printer.
Cannot print images.
Check that the camera and the printer are properly connected using the USB cable.Turn on the printer. For further information, refer to the operating instructions supplied with 
the printer.
RAW data files cannot be printed.Images shot using cameras other than this camera or images modified with a computer may 
not be printed.
Cannot insert the date or print images in the index mode.
The printer does not provide these functions. Consult the printer manufacturer as to whether 
the printer provides these functions or not.
The date may not be inserted in the index mode depending on the printer. Consult the printer 
manufacturer.
“---- -- --” is printed on the date-inserted part of the image.
Images that do not have the recording data cannot be printed with the date inserted. Set [Data 
print] to [Off] and print the image again (page 126).
Cannot select the print size.
Consult the printer manufacturer as to whether the printer can provide the desired size.
Cannot print the image at the size selected.
Disconnect the USB cable and reconnect it whenever you change the paper size after the 
printer has been connected to the camera.
The print setting of the camera differs from that of the printer. Change the setting of either the 
camera (page 126) or the printer.
Cannot operate the camera after canceling printing.
Wait for a while as the printer is carrying out the cancellation. It may take some time 
depending on the printer. 
						

							136
Your camera does not work.
Use the type of battery pack you can use with this camera (page 142).The battery level is low (The   indicator appears). Charge the battery pack (t step 1 in 
“Read This First”).
The lens gets fogged.
Moisture condensation has occurred. Turn off the camera and leave it for about an hour before 
using it (page 147).
The message “Set date and time?” appears when you turn on the camera.
The camera has been left unused for sometime with a low battery or no battery pack. Change 
the battery pack and set the date again (t step 3 in “Read This First”). If the date setting is 
lost every time the battery pack is changed, consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony 
service facility.
The number of recordable images does not decrease or decreases two at a 
time.
This is because the compression rate and the image size after compression change depending 
on the image when you shoot with a JPEG image (page 83).
The setting is reset without the resetting operation.
The battery pack was removed when the POWER switch was set to ON. When removing the 
battery pack, make sure the POWER switch is set to OFF and the access lamp is not 
illuminated (
t step 1 in “Read This First”).
The camera does not work properly.
Turn off the camera. Remove the battery pack and insert it again. If an AC Adaptor/charger 
(not supplied) is used, disconnect the power cord. If the camera is hot, allow it to cool down 
before trying this corrective procedure.
The five bars of the Super SteadyShot scale flash.
The Super SteadyShot function does not work. You can continue to shoot but the Super 
SteadyShot function will not work. Turn the camera off and on. If the Super SteadyShot scale 
continues to flash, consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Others 
						

							137
Troubleshooting
Warning messages
If the following messages appear, follow 
the instructions.
Incompatible battery.
Use correct model.
An incompatible battery pack is being 
used.
Battery exhausted.
The battery pack is discharged. Charge 
the battery pack.
Set date and time?
Set the date and time. If the message 
appears frequently, the internal backup 
battery is used up. Replace the battery 
(pages 136, 148).
Unable to use card.
Format?
The recording medium was formatted 
on a computer and the file format was 
modified, or the recording medium was 
formatted on another device.
Select [Yes], then format the recording 
medium. You can use the recording 
medium again, however, all previous 
data in the recording medium is erased. 
It may take a some time to complete the 
format.
If the message still appears, change the 
recording medium.
Card locked.
The write-protect switch of the 
recording medium, such as a “Memory 
Stick Duo” is set to the LOCK position.
Card error.
An incompatible recording medium is 
inserted.
Processing...
When the shutter speed is one second or 
higher, or the camera is in bulb shooting 
mode, noise reduction will be done for 
the same amount of time that the shutter 
was open. You cannot do any further 
shooting during this reduction. You can 
also deactivate noise reduction.
No card.Custom shutter lock on.
[Shutter lock] is set to [On: no card]. Set 
it to [Off: no card] or insert a recording 
medium.
No lens attached.
[Shutter lock] is set to [On: no lens]. Set 
it to [Off: no lens] or attach a lens. 
When attaching the camera to an 
astronomical telescope or something 
similar, set it to [Off: no lens] in the   
Custom menu.
Power insufficient.
Operation canceled.
You tried to perform [Clean CCD] when 
the battery level is insufficient. Charge 
the battery pack or use the AC Adaptor/
charger (not supplied).
Unable to display.
Images recorded with other cameras or 
images modified with a computer may 
not be able to be displayed.
No images.
There is no image in the recording 
media.
No images selected.
You tried to delete images without 
specifying which images you want to 
delete. 
						

							138
Image protected.
You tried to delete protected images. 
Release the protection.
Unable to print.
You tried to mark RAW images with a 
DPOF set mark.
Initializing
 USB connection.
A USB connection has been 
established. Do not disconnect the USB 
cable.
USB connection error
A USB connection cannot be 
established. Disconnect the USB cable 
and connect it again.
Error. Check printer.
There is a problem with the printer, such 
as a paper out condition.
Printing canceled.
The print job was canceled. Disconnect 
the USB cable or turn the camera off.
Camera overheating.
 Allow it to cool.
The camera has become hot because, 
for example, you use the camera for a 
long time in extremely hot place.
Turn the power off. Cool the camera and 
wait until the camera is ready to shoot 
again.
System error.
Turn the power off, remove the battery 
pack, then re-insert it. If the message 
appears frequently, consult your Sony 
dealer or local authorized Sony service 
facility. 
						

							139
Others
Others
On the “Memory Stick”
A “Memory Stick” is a compact, portable 
IC recording medium. The types of 
“Memory Stick” that can be used with this 
camera are listed in the table below. 
However, proper operation cannot be 
guaranteed for all “Memory Stick” 
functions.
*1“Memory Stick Duo”, “MagicGate Memory 
Stick Duo” and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” are 
equipped with MagicGate functions. 
MagicGate is copyright protection technology 
that uses encryption technology. Data 
recording/playback that requires MagicGate 
functions cannot be performed with this 
camera.
*2Supports high-speed data transfer using a 
parallel interface.
 A “Memory Stick Duo” formatted with a 
computer is not guaranteed to operate with this 
camera.
 Data read/write speeds differ depending on the 
combination of the “Memory Stick Duo” and 
the equipment used.
Notes on using a “Memory Stick Duo” 
(not supplied)
 You cannot record, edit or delete images if you 
slide the write-protect switch to LOCK with a 
fine-tipped object.
Some “Memory Stick Duo” cards do not 
have a write-protect switch. On “Memory 
Stick Duo” with this switch, the position 
and shape may vary depending on the 
“Memory Stick Duo”.
 Do not remove the “Memory Stick Duo” while 
reading or writing data.
 Data may be corrupted in the following cases:
– When the “Memory Stick Duo” is removed or 
the camera is turned off during a read or write 
operation
– When the “Memory Stick Duo” is used in 
locations subject to static electricity or 
electrical noise
 We recommend backing up important data.
 Do not press down hard when you write down 
on the memo area.
 Do not attach a label on the “Memory Stick 
Duo” itself nor on a Memory Stick Duo 
Adaptor.
 When you carry or store the “Memory Stick 
Duo”, put it in the case supplied with it.
 Do not touch the terminal section of the 
“Memory Stick Duo” with your hand or a metal 
object.
 Do not strike, bend or drop the “Memory Stick 
Duo”.
 Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory 
Stick Duo”.
 Do not expose the “Memory Stick Duo” to 
water.
 Do not leave the “Memory Stick Duo” within 
the reach of small children. They might 
accidentally swallow it.
“Memory Stick” typeRecording/
Playback
Memory Stick 
(without MagicGate)—
Memory Stick 
(with MagicGate)—
Memory Stick Duo 
(without MagicGate)
a
Memory Stick Duo 
(with MagicGate)a*1*2
MagicGate Memory Stick —
MagicGate Memory Stick 
Duo
a*1
Memory Stick PRO —
Memory Stick PRO Duo
a*1*2
Te r m i n a l
Write-protect 
switch
Memo area 
						

							140
 Do not use or store the “Memory Stick Duo” 
under the following conditions:
– High temperature locations such as the hot 
interior of a car parked in direct sunlight
– Locations exposed to direct sunlight
– Humid locations or locations with corrosive 
substances present
Notes on using the Memory Stick Duo 
Adaptor for CF slot (supplied)
 When inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” into a 
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor for CF slot, make 
sure the “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted facing 
in the correct direction, then insert it all the way 
in. Incorrect insertion may result in a 
malfunction.
 When using a “Memory Stick Duo” inserted 
into a Memory Stick Duo Adaptor for CF slot 
with a compliant device, make sure that the 
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor for CF slot is 
inserted facing the correct direction. Note that 
improper use may damage the equipment.
 Do not insert a Memory Stick Duo Adaptor for 
CF slot into a compliant device without a 
“Memory Stick Duo” attached. Doing so may 
result in malfunction of the unit.
 When you insert a Memory Stick Duo Adaptor 
for CF slot into a CompactFlash - PC card 
adaptor and connect it to a PC card slot of a 
computer, proper operation is not guaranteed.
 The supplied Memory Stick Duo Adaptor for 
CF slot is only for use with this camera. You can 
use it with other devices, however, proper 
operation is not guaranteed.
Note on using “Memory Stick PRO 
Duo” (not supplied)
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” with a capacity up to 
2 GB have been confirmed to operate properly 
with this camera.